The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To loop a music playlist on YouTube with OBS, install VLC, add an OBS VLC Video source to your streaming scene, load the tracks, and leave Loop Playlist enabled. Keep that source visible while streaming. Before going live, check the audio meters, confirm your YouTube channel is eligible for livestreaming, and make sure you have broadcast rights for the music.
Choose the right OBS source
OBS’s built-in Media Source can play and loop a single file. To play multiple tracks as a playlist, use the VLC Video source, which supports a playlist and can loop it. VLC must be installed for this source to appear in OBS. Match the application architecture: OBS’s documentation specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
| Source | Best for | Playlist support | Dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media Source | Playing one local audio or video file repeatedly | No multi-item playlist; its Loop setting repeats the file | Built into OBS; it supports common audio types including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Support for these types does not guarantee that every codec or damaged file will work. |
| VLC Video | Playing multiple files in sequence or shuffle | Yes; Loop Playlist repeats the list, and Shuffle Playlist can randomize it | VLC must be installed; use the matching 64-bit version with 64-bit OBS |
For a playlist, get VLC from its official site and install the version that matches OBS before continuing. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
Prepare the playlist and OBS scene
Keep the files available
Put the audio files somewhere the computer running OBS can access them for the entire broadcast. OBS and VLC play those files from that computer, so moving or disconnecting them can interrupt playback. Check the files before the stream; a listed format alone is not a guarantee that a particular file is intact or readable.
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#1 Best Overall
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Add a VLC Video source
- Open OBS and select or create the scene you intend to use for the broadcast.
- In the Sources dock, click the plus button and choose VLC Video. If the option is missing, install VLC and confirm its architecture matches OBS.
- Open the source properties and add the music files to the playlist in the order you want them to play.
- Leave Loop Playlist enabled to restart playback when the last item finishes. It is on by default. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for a fixed order; it is off by default. Enable it only if you want randomized playback.
- Keep the VLC source visible in the scene used for the live stream. OBS’s default visibility behavior stops playback when the source becomes hidden and restarts it when visible. Switching to a scene without the source can therefore interrupt the playlist.
OBS documents the VLC Video source and its playlist controls in its VLC Video Source guide.
Connect OBS to YouTube and test the audio
Set up encoder streaming
In YouTube Studio, start an encoder stream and connect OBS using the stream information YouTube provides. YouTube’s interface and requirements can change, so follow its current Go live with an encoder instructions rather than relying on an old menu path. YouTube describes encoders as a way to stream content with overlays and production equipment.
Rank #2
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Treat the stream key as private: anyone who can use it may be able to broadcast to your channel. Enter it only in OBS’s streaming configuration and do not publish or share it.
Check playback before the long broadcast
- Start the playlist in OBS and watch the Audio Mixer. The relevant meter should move while the music plays.
- If there is no expected meter activity or the wrong audio is being captured, open Settings → Audio and select the correct device.
- Review Settings → Output and confirm the streaming configuration is appropriate for your connection and channel. Use YouTube’s current encoder guidance for video resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and keyframe interval; there is no universal settings recipe here.
- Run a short test stream and check the result before relying on the setup for a longer broadcast. OBS specifically recommends testing for a few minutes to catch issues before a first stream.
See the OBS Quick Start Guide for its test recommendation and setup checks.
Rank #3
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Check channel access and music rights
YouTube says a channel needs to be verified and must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days to livestream. Check the channel’s current access and status in YouTube Studio before scheduling a continuous broadcast; eligibility can change.
Use only music whose rights cover the intended YouTube livestream and, if relevant, monetization. Being able to play a track locally—or finding it online—does not establish permission to broadcast it. YouTube requires livestreams to comply with its Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Those general rules do not establish rights for any particular song.
Rank #4
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Troubleshoot common playlist problems
- VLC Video is missing: Install VLC. If OBS is 64-bit, use 64-bit VLC.
- The playlist ends instead of repeating: Open the VLC Video source properties and enable Loop Playlist.
- Tracks play in an unexpected order: Disable Shuffle Playlist for sequential playback, then check the order of items in the source playlist.
- The audio is silent or wrong: Start playback, inspect the OBS Audio Mixer meters, and choose the correct device under Settings → Audio.
- Playback stops after a scene change: Check whether the VLC source is hidden in the new scene. Keep it visible in the live scene and inspect its visibility behavior if it must continue playing.
- A file will not play: Confirm it is accessible to the streaming computer and try a known-good file in a format OBS lists as supported. A supported format does not rule out an unsupported codec or a damaged file.
- YouTube will not accept the live stream: Check the channel’s livestream eligibility and status in YouTube Studio, then verify the current encoder setup and stream key in YouTube’s instructions.
Or let it run in the cloud
With OBS, the playlist depends on the computer running OBS and the local files remaining available. StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for uploaded recordings: upload a video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams uploads as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required, one free day per account. Monthly access is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or plan details, then start your free day.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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